Pacific Crest Trail, California
The Pacific Crest Trail in California is a top pick for outdoor adventures. This long-distance hiking and equestrian trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, offering a scenic journey through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. It's a must-visit for those who enjoy challenging hikes, with a high point at Forester Pass standing at 13,153 feet. Along the trail, you'll encounter the stunning beauty of Yosemite National Park, the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, and the unique rock formations of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Other attractions near the trail include the Sequoia National Forest known for its giant sequoia trees. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are waiting for you at the Pacific Crest Trail.
Top Spots in and near Pacific Crest Trail
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Yosemite Village, California
El Capitan Meadow
5.0After entering the park, keep driving the loop until you get onto Northside Drive, and then park once you are right below El Capitan (the 3,000ft granite monolith that is very hard to miss). Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage. With these items in hand, walk over to the ea...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point
4.023.85 mi / 6942 ft gainStart from Glacier Point around 7,200 feet leaving on the Panoramic Trail. Head down 2 miles to Illilouette Falls (5,800 feet). Once you cross the bridge at Illilouette Falls you go up Panorama Point and head back down to Nevada Falls (5,971 feet). Once you reach Nevada Falls fill up on as much w...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Bridalveil Fall Loop
3.80.46 mi / 89 ft gainSince most things you want to see in Yosemite require a hike, this place is a nice change to see something without having to walk for hours. From the parking lot it is just a few minute walk to the falls. If you scramble up the rocks, you can get a nice view of the falls and the pond. It used to...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Photographing Valley View
4.5Valley View is a must stop viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. Most people visit Valley View on their way out of the park as it is the last stop, located along the one-way Northside Drive. Look for a small parking area to your left just before Pohono Bridge. There are only about a dozen parkin...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View
4.3Tunnel View sets you up for an iconic view of some of the major highlights of the Yosemite valley including Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome in the distance. To access the viewpoint, from Northside Dr., turn right onto Wawona Rd. You'll continue on Wawona Rd. up until you see you parki...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack Yosemite's South Rim
5.018 mi / 2800 ft gainStep 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike). The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don'...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park
4.82.02 mi / 745 ft gainPark at the Tunnel View parking lot. The Pohono Trail, which you fill follow for the first half mile, starts on the left side of Wawona Tunnel. You should notice a small path starting from the parking lot. The trail quickly ascends up a series of switchbacks before reaching a junction. If you...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike from Tunnel View to Glacier Point
5.013 mi / 3000 ft gainBeginning at 4400 feet of elevation in the bottom of Yosemite Valley, this trail will take you up about 3000 feet over 13 miles. You'll finish the hike at Glacier Point and be richly rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of Half Dome in the park.If you are interested in seeing landmarks...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Dewey Point via Tunnel View
5.09.25 mi / 3484 ft gainDewey Point lies on the western side of the Pohono Trail, across the valley from El Capitan and above Cathedral Rocks. When I was there in September, it was deserted but for a few birds drifting on the thermals above the cliffs. The sunset was stunning. It felt like there was nothing between me a...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP
2.4 mi / 900 ft gainInspiration Point is a granite slab located on the mountainside above Tunnel View. Hiking to this scenic point will provide you with the same views you would get from Tunnel View with less people around. Hiking this trail can also take you to different parts of Yosemite if you're so inclined (Bri...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Sentinel Dome Trail
5.02.15 mi / 390 ft gainOne of the most popular places in Yosemite for sunset is Glacier Point, but by walking one mile from the trailhead, the crowds quickly dissipate. Sentinel Dome is great for all ages since the trail is short and not too steep. Park at the Sentinel Dome trailhead, about 3 miles from the end of Glac...Read more -
Mariposa County, CaliforniaSentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
5.05.17 mi / 1076 ft gainSENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT TRAILHEAD: About an hour drive from Yosemite Valley campgrounds. This trailhead is an intersection of the starting point of the Taft Point trail and Sentinel Dome trail. It is a short walk (and visible) from the parking lot. In doing both trails, it would be an esti...Read more -
Groveland, California
Rainbow Pool
4.5Finding Rainbow Pool is a little tricky, since it is off the side of a highway, but when you find it there is parking and bathrooms. There is a easy walkway to get down to the pool itself, and trails to climb to the top to slide or jump off the rocks. Many people tend to fish up top underneath th...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Taft Point
4.92.14 mi / 276 ft gainTaft Point is such an amazing and different view of the Yosemite Valley. If you're lucky and you time it right, you'll also experience complete solitude. While driving Glacier Point Road, just a few minutes before arriving at Glacier Point, you'll see a parking lot for the Taft Point Trailhead. ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP
3.75 mi / 560 ft gainThe South Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees State Park sees far less traffic than the North Grove due to its increased mileage and distance from the park entrance. The trail starts at the South Grove Trail head which is located nine miles east of the entrance on the main park road. The trailhead...Read more -
Markleeville, California
Snowmobile at Hope Valley Sno-Park
Book a snowmobile trip through a local adventure center (we love Lake Tahoe Adventures) or bring your own gear. Don't forget to grab permits ahead of time if you come on your own (more info here.) Drive (from anywhere) to Highway 88 and the snow park entrance is on the south side of the highway. ...Read more
